What started out as a typical summer day in Chicago quickly gave way to the treachery of impending thunderstorms and overcast skies. Of course this all took place as a phalanx of rooftopers were converging on Navy Pier. After much discussion and debate it was decided to damn the torpedoes and push forth regardless of the weather. And boy are we glad we did. What followed was none other than the full-bodied resurgence of that sweet motown sound, complete […]
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About Bassel and the Supernaturals Bassel Al-Madani’s sophomore effort, Submerged, was released in June 2010 at Used Kids Records in Columbus, Ohio. His first full-length album led to an array of interviews, write ups, and shows within the Midwest and Northeast regions. Shortly after the conclusion of his first four-week tour, Bassel was invited to perform at the Pelotonia opening ceremony with The Counting Crows & Augustana in the bike ride to end cancer. Since his relocation to Chicago in the fall […]
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About The Field Auxiliary The Field Auxiliary is a Chicago-based recording/performance ensemble initiated by the kinetic release of potential energy waveparticles via the limb tips of songer/wrongrighter Dan Smart and collaborators Rob Jensen, Jon Ozaksut, and Josh Kalvelage. Gaining in both gravity and, it follows, orbital rotation since 2008, The Field Auxiliary exhibits, both in performance and on record, a layered and multi-conversational experimental pop music that exists continuously and in tenuous accordance with various hopelessly irreconcilable catechisms.
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Despite often near gale force winds, local guys Stolen Silver performed an amazing three song set for the rooftop sessions. The first song, Circles, showcases the band as a harmony driven folk pop master in Chicago. This was the second session in a series on our compatriot Jim’s roof in the swinging Logan Square neighborhood. These guys are the real deal! This was made quite obvious as soon as I heard the audio from my on-board camera mic and it […]
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This was our first shoot at this fabulous Logan Square rooftop. Tom and Dan performed four riveting songs, and as the night progressed, a small crowd of local bar hoppers came up to join us in the fun. Two other people who make cameo in this video are our friend Jonathan from Good Evening Chicago (guy carrying the PBR) and Jim ( hanging on top of the edge of the roof, wearing an orange shirt; he is the guy thanks to […]
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When Jenny Dragon invited us do to a session on their friends roof in the south loop/Maxwell st. neighborhood of Chicago, we had no idea just how great a view of the city we would have until we got there. After trudging up not three or four, but FIVE flights of stairs we were greeted with hands down the most spectacular view that we have ever been privileged to capture! Couple that with an outstanding old-time, folksy sound and an […]
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Despite the threatening rain, and heavy fog, Jennifer Hall and friends were able to showcase their soulful and sultry vibes. Great vocals, tight keys, and punchy guitar showcase this group’s deep-seated talent and artistry. JENNIFER HALL (Like I lie to you) from ROOFTOP SESSIONS CHICAGO on Vimeo. Like I Lie to You is an emotionally driven song that showcases Jennifer’s amazing vocal flexibility. I will never forget the moment I first heard her voice coming through the headphones. I never […]
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GUY CORL (Skeleton City) from ROOFTOP SESSIONS CHICAGO on Vimeo. GUY CORL (Winner) from ROOFTOP SESSIONS CHICAGO on Vimeo. About Guy Corl Guy Grace (Corl) was born during the winter of 1978 to a good home in the dying steel town of Youngstown Ohio. Though his young childhood was a happy one, the family was uprooted by economic development westward, and resettled in the small northwestern town of Bryan Ohio during the late 1980s. Cut from their roots, each member […]
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Halfway blind was the first of the three songs performed by Rue Royale. The location for the video is the original location for the rooftop sessions (Old Irving Park neighborhood; north side of Chicago) In the beginning of the video, there is a shot of the band coming to the sessions. The white-haired gentleman helping the band with their equipment is in fact not homeless, but rather one of our original camera operators. J Coleman who was kind enough to […]
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In The Light is the first of several covers performed by Rooftops own Neal Renzi. Neal was one of our original camera operators who agreed to let us record him as a test run. We all knew that Neal could sing, but we never anticipated the performance that would follow. Instead of just doing a test run, Neal actually became an official Rooftop Session. NEAL RENZI (Veni Come Sei) from ROOFTOP SESSIONS CHICAGO Neal Renzi (Veni Come Si) By this […]
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Z FORCE (One small part) from ROOFTOP SESSIONS CHICAGO on Vimeo. Z FORCE (Song #I) from ROOFTOP SESSIONS CHICAGO on Vimeo. About Z-Force Z-FORCE or Zee Force is the former front man of an amazing local act called the Ultrasonic Edukators. During his heyday as an Edukator, Z used to rock out the local scene a la Blur style. With his charm and good looks, Z was able to keep the attention of the crowds while rocking all around the Chicago club scene. Even […]
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